Learning About the Medici Villas in Tuscany

Many magnificent villas in Tuscany were built by the powerful Medici family during the Renaissance in Florence. Located near the center of Florence and Lucca's art, the 12 main villas are examples of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. At the end of the 16th century, there were 16 major estates surrounding Florence and at least 11 secondary estates scattered throughout the Tuscan countryside. The villa was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.

The UNESCO Committee wrote about the creation of Medici: Harmony with nature, devoted to leisure, art and knowledge. "

From fortress to palace

The Tuscan Medici House is a rural complex built in the 15th and 17th centuries. They served several purposes, but were mainly Medici countryside palaces, a symbol of wealth and power. Families used them as leisure resorts and many were strategically located near excellent hunting sites. However, they also served as an important economic objective for the communities surrounding them as a center of agricultural activity.

The first villa of the Tuscan Medici family, built in the 14th century, was a fairly fortified and strong fortress structure. Villa Torrebio and Villa Calfaggio were considered the original homes of the Medici family. Over time, families began to design homes with additional recreational spaces and beautiful gardens such as those found in colleges and Fiesole.

Architecture of the best age

The latter are said to be some of the finest examples of Renaissance and Baroque architecture in the area. They were accompanied by an elaborate garden, which was praised as much as the structure itself. Villa di Castello's garden was first designed by Niccolo Triboro for the Grand Duchy of Tuscany Cosimo I de Medici. Tribolo later designed the stunning Boboli Gardens at Pitti Palace in Florence.

The sites were owned by important members of the Medici family and served as a microcosm of the Medici court. Duke moves from home to home depending on his needs and desires. He stays in Villa del Trebio for hunting, moves to Villa del & Ambrogiana in the spring, and moves to the cool climate of Villa di Artimino during the hot summer.

Legacy

The 12 major Medici villas in Tuscany are said to be the first examples of architectural, garden and environmental relationships found in Italy. The building and surrounding gardens embody the ideals of life in harmony with nature, devoted to the pursuit of art, leisure and knowledge. They set the standard for noble dwellings throughout Europe and the impact is still visible today.